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Owing to its year-round mild weather, wide variety of ecosystems, and location along a number of migratory routes, Florida's First Coast region is one of the best areas in the country for birding. Are you a resident of Jacksonville, FL and an avid birdwatcher? Do yourself a favor and plug in these prime birdwatching destinations into your Mini Cooper S Countryman's advanced navigation system! 4 Favorite Birdwatching Spots You Can Drive to From Jacksonville, FL 1. Bird Island Park As its name implies, Bird Island serves as a beautiful sanctuary for many bird species. The quiet, peaceful park features boardwalk paths, gazebos, and a maze for visitors to explore. At the park's center, there's a large pond with a lush island that's surrounded by various birds, including ducks, blue herons, egrets, and anhingas. You'll also be delighted to see the adorable otters and small turtles swimming together in the water. 2. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Located just north of Bird Island, Hanna Park is another great place to view anhingas and herons. Along with the blue heron, you'll be able to view herons of the green and tricolor varieties. The verdant park's many flowering plants mean that you'll also see hummingbirds fluttering about as they treat themselves to a nectar buffet. There are several hiking and biking trails that can be taken and a lake that's popular with kayakers. more 3. William F Sheffield Regional Park At 385 acres, this park is quite expansive and hosts numerous facilities, including soccer and baseball fields, a community pool, and a skate park. It's also home to some of the finest scenery and birding in Jacksonville's Northside. The grounds are deeply wooded and feature two large ponds, so it's a popular rest stop for birds on a long journey. Commonly observed species include the brown thrasher, pied-billed grebe, common yellowthroat, and cardinal. 4. Little Talbot Island State Park Little Talbot Island is one of the region's last remaining undeveloped barrier islands, so Florida's Department of Environmental Protection has made sure that it remains untouched by making it part of the state park system. The park is also notable for its white sand dunes from which you can view a large variety of ocean and migratory birds. Many birdwatchers come to see groups of northern gannets dive bombing into the sea in order to catch their prey. During the spring, red knots traveling all the way from Argentina comb the shoreline in search of surf clams before continuing north to their breeding grounds in Canada. No matter the time of year, there are always great birding opportunities when you're living in the Jacksonville area! Before you head out on your next sightseeing excursion, stop by Tom Bush MINI today and check out our showroom's new models!

If you're looking for a fun day trip near Jacksonville, FL, we suggest taking the MINI and checking out these three best views. These locations offer beautiful scenery and are perfect for a summer day spent with family or friends. Take the MINI and Check Out These 3 Best Views Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Southbank Riverwalk The Southbank Riverwalk in Jacksonville is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Stretching for 1.2 miles along the St. Johns River, the riverwalk offers stunning views of the downtown skyline and is a great place to take a leisurely stroll or go for a jog. There are also several restaurants and cafes along the way, a playground, and an interactive water fountain that kids will love. The Riverwalk is also a popular spot for fishing; you can often see people casting their lines from the bridges that span the river. Whether you're looking for a place to relax or a place to have some fun, the Southbank Riverwalk is sure to please. more 2. Memorial Park Memorial Park is one of the best places in Florida to take in a breathtaking view. This 5.85-acre park offers visitors a stunning panorama of the city. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction. The park is most known for its sculpture called "Spiritualized Life '' which was created by renowned artist Charles Adrian Pillars. The sculpture is a beautiful tribute to those who have lost their lives, and the view from the park is a fitting tribute to the city's fallen heroes. In addition to its natural beauty, Memorial Park also features several historical monuments, making it a great place to learn about the area's rich past. Whether you're looking for a place to relax or explore, Memorial Park will surely have something for everyone. 3. Oceanfront Park Number one on TripAdvisor's list of things to do in Oceanfront Park is simply “enjoy the view.” And it's no wonder why. The park sits on a wide stretch of white sand beach, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The nearby pier is also a popular spot for taking in the view. Fishermen, sunbathers, and strolling couples all flock to the pier to enjoy the fresh ocean air and incredible vistas. Oceanfront Park is worth visiting if you're looking for a place to relax or just want to take in some of Florida's natural beauty. If you're looking for a car that can quickly and efficiently take you to see stunning views in Jacksonville, the all-new 2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman is the right choice. With its panoramic moonroof, you'll be able to take in all the sights without even stepping out of the car. Be sure to visit us at Tom Bush MINI in Jacksonville to see the new and pre-owned cars we have in stock.

If you're looking for a fun day trip near Jacksonville, FL, we suggest taking the MINI and checking out these three best views. These locations offer beautiful scenery and are perfect for a summer day spent with family or friends. Take the MINI and Check Out These 3 Best Views Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Southbank Riverwalk The Southbank Riverwalk in Jacksonville is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Stretching for 1.2 miles along the St. Johns River, the riverwalk offers stunning views of the downtown skyline and is a great place to take a leisurely stroll or go for a jog. There are also several restaurants and cafes along the way, a playground, and an interactive water fountain that kids will love. The Riverwalk is also a popular spot for fishing; you can often see people casting their lines from the bridges that span the river. Whether you're looking for a place to relax or a place to have some fun, the Southbank Riverwalk is sure to please. more 2. Memorial Park Memorial Park is one of the best places in Florida to take in a breathtaking view. This 5.85-acre park offers visitors a stunning panorama of the city. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction. The park is most known for its sculpture called "Spiritualized Life '' which was created by renowned artist Charles Adrian Pillars. The sculpture is a beautiful tribute to those who have lost their lives, and the view from the park is a fitting tribute to the city's fallen heroes. In addition to its natural beauty, Memorial Park also features several historical monuments, making it a great place to learn about the area's rich past. Whether you're looking for a place to relax or explore, Memorial Park will surely have something for everyone. 3. Oceanfront Park Number one on TripAdvisor's list of things to do in Oceanfront Park is simply “enjoy the view.” And it's no wonder why. The park sits on a wide stretch of white sand beach, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The nearby pier is also a popular spot for taking in the view. Fishermen, sunbathers, and strolling couples all flock to the pier to enjoy the fresh ocean air and incredible vistas. Oceanfront Park is worth visiting if you're looking for a place to relax or just want to take in some of Florida's natural beauty. If you're looking for a car that can quickly and efficiently take you to see stunning views in Jacksonville, the all-new 2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman is the right choice. With its panoramic moonroof, you'll be able to take in all the sights without even stepping out of the car. Be sure to visit us at Tom Bush MINI in Jacksonville to see the new and pre-owned cars we have in stock.

With its storied past, unique neighborhoods, and location along the St. Johns River, Jacksonville, FL is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the state. The city is well known for its many golf courses, but it's also home to a vast park system and a vibrant culture. You'll want to make sure to add these exciting local attractions to your itinerary while you're in the famous river city! more 4 Favorite Local Attractions to Discover in Jacksonville FL 1. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens This 122-acre zoo is situated by the Trout River and showcases thousands of animal and plant species from Australia, Asia, and Africa, along with a variety of local wildlife. When visiting the Plains of East Africa, you'll be able to observe savannah dwellers, like the southern white rhinoceros, African elephant, and imperial zebra. The elusive Florida panther can be found in the Wild Florida exhibit, which also features a large reptile house. Beneath the Giraffe Outlook is the Savannah Blooms botanical garden, a recreation of a South African oasis that houses a variety of aquatic plant life. Visitors can take in a scenic view of the river at the Trout River Plaza's beautiful Greek-style garden. 2. Kingsley Plantation Located on Fort George Island, this well-preserved historical site offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of a 19th-century plantation owner and the slaves who worked in its fields. You can visit the main house, barn, and slave cabins and learn about them through the available guided tours. You'll also hear the story of Zephaniah Kingsley, the master of the plantation, and his wife Anna, one of his freed slaves who ran the Laurel Grove plantation. 3. Museum of Science and History Popularly known as "the MOSH," this science museum is also dedicated to the history of the First Coast region, where many of the first European settlers landed. Interactive exhibits, such as the JEA Science Theater, will teach visitors about the science of explosions or let them have an up-close encounter with local wildlife at the Naturalist's Center. The Currents of Time exhibit focuses on 12,000 years of Native American history. During each spring, summer, and winter season, a one-day MOSH Discovery Camp is held there for younger school children. While at the camp, they'll have fun learning about natural sciences through supervised experiments and take part in arts & crafts classes. 4. St. Johns River Ferry One of the most fun ways to learn about Jacksonville while enjoying its gorgeous scenery is taking a ride with this friendly ferry service. In addition to providing transport across the river, they'll take passengers on sightseeing tours that range from 60 to 90 minutes in length. The most popular tour is the Sunset Cruise, where you'll get to see the city dramatically light up after the sun goes down. On the fourth Thursday of every month, the ferry hosts prominent community figures who guest speak about important local issues. Jacksonville is full of spectacular sights and experiences! Before you head out on your next trip in Jax, visit Tom Bush MINI today and check out an amazing inventory of new and pre-owned MINI vehicles!

What better way is there to get out there than planning an adventure at one of the hiking trails in our area? We did some exploring all around the Jacksonville, FL area to find the best destinations for you to plan your adventure at. Pick the trail that's right for you and then get out there and seize the day. more 7 Favorite Hiking Trails Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Julington Durbin Creek Nature Preserve If you're looking to appreciate the wildlife our region has to offer on your day out, look no further than Julington Durbin Creek Nature Preserve and the more than 2,000 acres of wildlands it gives you to explore. The paths here wind through lush forests and floodplain wetlands to show you the diversity of nature that can be found right in our backyard. 2. Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park The wooded trails at Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park are one of the best places to take a walk around us. Better still, the trails are dog friendly, so this could be your destination if you're looking for somewhere to take your canine friend. Along with the trails, there's also a boardwalk here for you to get some views of the water. 3. Theodore Roosevelt Area at Timucuan Preserve Peaceful nature trails and miles of open-air exploration make the hiking at Theodore Roosevelt Area at Timucuan Preserve some of the best our area has to offer. There's also a bird observation platform to give you a different perspective on things. 4. Ortega Stream Valley Trailhead Boardwalks and bridges run through the verdant wetlands that can be found at Ortega Stream Valley Trailhead. The extensive network of different trails provides different options, with something to suit just about any hiking skill level, so you can come here whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or expert hiker. 5. University of North Florida Nature Trails The public trails here are a great destination for anyone looking for some outdoor fun that can be had right here in our area. You can even get a guided tour and learn all about the nature that can be found along the trails. 6. Castaway Island Preserve There are about two miles of trails at Castaway Island Preserve for you to explore, with scenic overlooks along the way that make for memorable hiking moments. The undeveloped wetlands here are home to some of our local creatures which you might spot on your visit, including birds, crabs, wild oysters, and a whole lot more. 7. Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens Learn all about the plants that thrive in our area by wandering the grounds at Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens, where the various plants are labelled to make them easy for you to identify. There are over 120 acres of rustic trails for you to wander through on your visit here. Any of these destinations make great spots to plan your next hike, and any of the quality vehicles in our inventory can get you there. Find your next ride at Tom Bush MINI!

Anyone looking for a day out on the fairway has some great golf courses to choose from here in the Jacksonville, FL area. Head to any of these seven local destinations next time you're looking for a fun day out and you'll find some great courses to play. more The Top 7 Golf Courses in and Around Jacksonville, FL 1. Windsor Parke Golf Club This upscale 18-hole course provides a satisfying golfing challenge at a fair price, making it one of the top destinations for players in our area. They keep the grounds in great shape to give you the perfect surface to play on. Once you've worked up an appetite out on the course, hit the grill and snack bar to get a meal in and enjoy the fun atmosphere. 2.  Blue Sky Golf Club Between the atmosphere, the service, and the food you get at Blue Sky Golf Club, you're guaranteed to have a great time. One of the other highlights here is the driving range which gives you different targets to aim for to work on your short game, as well as a putting area with some interesting challenges of its own. 3. Blue Cypress Golf Course If you're looking for an interesting course to hit, the fun layouts and challenging small greens at Blue Cypress Golf Course are sure to provide it. The staff here is friendly and helpful too, which helped us feel right at home on our visit, and the prices to hit the course here are quite reasonable. 4. Bent Creek Golf Course The creek that gives this course its name and the other obstacles you'll face make Bent Creek Golf Course a challenge any golfer will look forward to taking on. You can get a warm-up in by hitting a few balls at their driving range before you check out the nice variety that the different holes here provide. 5. TPC Sawgrass Hit the Pro Shop at TPC Sawgrass to get all the best equipment you might need when you head out onto the course here. One thing this course is best known for is the infamous island hole 17 sits on, presenting a unique test any golfer can try out. 6. Hyde Park Golf Club Enjoy some beautiful scenery and exciting holes to play when you have an outing at Hyde Park Golf Club. You'll be kept well fed throughout your visit by the food cart that goes around providing snacks while you're hitting the tees. 7. Brentwood Golf Course Plenty of par 3 courses make Brentwood Golf Course a good place for beginner to intermediate golfers to come to work on their fundamentals. You'll also enjoy the delicious food that they cook up once you're done playing through their course. One thing that each of these courses had in common was a staff that provides excellent friendly service to every guest. Providing that kind of exceptional service is something our team does every day at our dealership. Stop on by at Tom Bush MINI today!

Get out to the parks in our region and enjoy some fun and relaxation out in the sun and fresh air. All of the outdoor destinations we highlighted below can be found right in the Jacksonville, FL area, so you can get away from it all while staying in the local area. more 7 Great Parks to Visit in and Around Jacksonville, FL 1. Riverside Park Located in one of the most historic neighborhoods in our city, Riverside Park is the second oldest park that can be found in our area. Whether you're shooting hoops on the basketball courts here or enjoying a meal with some fresh air on the picnic tables that can be found here, you're sure to have a great time when you spend your day out here. 2. Castaway Island Preserve Enjoy beautiful views of the wetlands in our area when you take a trip to Castaway Island Preserve. Raised walkways run through the undeveloped land here, creating a great place to go for a walk, a jog, or to take your dog out for a stroll. The scenic overlooks here provide some breathtaking views of the surrounding area. 3. Springfield Park Located in the historic neighborhood of Springfield, this park features a playground that has plenty of equipment for any youngsters coming along with you for your visit to play around on. Come when the flowers are in bloom to enjoy some unforgettable sights and scents. It's also a dog-friendly park, giving you a great place to bring your four-legged friend along for the fun. 4. Mandarin Park Have some fun on the playground or tennis courts at Mandarin Park, or just get some shade under the pavilions here while you enjoy the breeze and fresh air. This park has bay frontage that lets you enjoy some peaceful views of the water. There's also a boat ramp that lets you get out on the water for yourself to have some fun. 5. Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park Walk the wooded hiking trails at this local getaway location to enjoy a serene space to just get away from it all for a little while. You can also climb the observation tower here to get a bird's eye view on the amazing landscape that can be seen here. 6. Memorial Park Perfect for fishing or just getting some fresh air, this park offers nearly six acres of wide-open space for you to explore. Memorial Park earned recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017, bringing nationwide acclaim to our area. 7. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Enjoy a day out at the beach at this oceanside park with one and a half miles of coastal land for you to walk through and enjoy. Take part in some swimming or surfing or just lay back and catch some rays on the sandy beaches you'll find at this park. Get to these local destinations in style when you cruise down in a new ride from our dealership. Visit us at Tom Bush MINI today!

Being one of the largest cities in the country allows Jacksonville, FL to provide a ton of activities. One that has been steadily growing in the area, for people of all ages, is biking. With so many outstanding biking trails around, checking one out is a worthwhile endeavor, whether you're looking to break a sweat or spend time with people you care about. more 6 of the Best Biking Trails Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Black Creek Trail Black Creek Trail is an 8-mile route just south of Jacksonville that runs parallel to U.S. Highway 17. It goes from Orange Park south to Black Creek Park and passes forests, wetlands, Fleming Island, and Doctor's Lake. It also goes by Moccasin Slough Park which is a large wildlife preserve that houses bald eagles, alligators, and a park that was made recently. 2. Palatka-to-St. Augustine State Trail This route is 18 miles and used to be known as State Road 207 Rail-Trail because it follows State Route 207. It goes through Armstrong, Elkton, and Vermont Heights but the views are mostly of farms and wooded areas. It is going to be a connection to the larger St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop which will be 260 miles and run through five counties in Northeast Florida. 3. Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail-Trail The Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail-Trail is about 14.5 miles of a paved path west of downtown Jacksonville. History buffs will love Camp Milton Historic Preserve, an old Civil War encampment that has been preserved and recreated in places to keep its original appearance. The nature in the area is also home to rabbits, gophers, coral snakes, hawks, and much more. 4. Amelia Island Trail Amelia Island Trail goes on for a little over 5.5 miles and connects Peters Point Beachfront Park to Amelia Island State Park. The parks offer many activities such as fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, and beach access. The route is well paved and has a lot of shade, making the ride a pleasant journey even on the hottest days. 5. Timucuan Trail This trail is just a bit under 5 miles and by going over the Amelia River via the George Crady Bridge it connects to the Amelia Island Trail. The sections of it now have been built in Big Talbot Island State Park and Little Talbot Island State Park but eventually it will extend into Kathryn Abbey Hannah Park and Amelia Island State Park as well. Bird-watching and campgrounds help make this an overall enjoyable experience. 6. Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail itself is over 30 miles and its southern end is just a 2.5-mile ride away from Palatka-to-St. Augustine State Trail. The trail is well-known for the animals inhabiting the trail which includes alligators, snakes, turkeys, bobcats, and white-tailed deer. The trail is typically quiet, well-paved, and has excellent shade throughout. Being able to travel to trails comfortably and safely with your equipment is important. Stop by Tom Bush MINI and find the perfect MINI vehicle to get you to your destinations.

Jacksonville, FL, is a great place to take your family camping on your next vacation. You'll find fantastic outdoor recreation, local attractions, and top-notch amenities for all your campout needs. more 7 Great Spots for Camping Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Hanna Park Campground You'll find one of the best family-friendly campgrounds to book your next trip. Hanna Park Campground offers a variety of accommodations and amenities for RV sites, tents, and cabins. You'll find all the facilities you need on-site, including restrooms and showers, a supply store, a splash pad for kids, and more. 2. Pecan Park RV Resort This fantastic RV resort is conveniently located in the local farmer's market and Pecan flea market. Pecan Park RV Resort offers clean and well-maintained campgrounds and outdoor spaces. If you're spending the summer or an extended stay at this resort, there are many great options for shopping, restaurants, hiking, and other activities. 3. Huguenot Campground Huguenot Campground is a wonderful place that's close to everything you'll want to explore outside. When you stay at this campground, you'll enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water, swimming, access to fishing, kayaking, and hiking. All RV sites are equipped with full hookups, and there are designated areas for tents. Huguenot Campground is pet-friendly and offers affordable rates. 4. Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground If you're in search of one of the most secluded parks in the Jacksonville area, you'll want to book your next campout at Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground. This area is beautiful and offers incredible scenery, access to a beach, well-maintained restrooms, and surrounded by tall trees. It's one of the best options for a campout if you're looking for a serene experience with your family or a few close friends. It's the perfect spot for nature enthusiasts. 5. LIttle Talbot Little Talbot is a local gem that offers spectacular fishing, amazing wildlife views, and beautiful shorelines. This wonderful outdoor space offers picnic tables, a pavilion, a bathhouse, and restrooms if you want to spend the day for a picnic or a weekend stay. It's also a great spot to capture stunning photographs. 6. Camp Chowenwaw Park Camp Chowenwaw Park is a historic space in Green Cove Springs, FL, that offers unique log cabins for rental, lakeside views, a swimming pool, and lots of trails to explore nature. You'll find the staff friendly and accommodating, and the campsites are spacious and affordable. 7. Amelia Island State Park When you visit Amelia Island State Park, you'll have lots of great access to fishing, scenic beaches, hiking, and horseback riding. You can set up your campsite near the beach and enjoy the calming waves and natural beauty of this area. One of the best features of this park is the protected land and wildlife, which offers a quiet and pleasant experience. There are many incredible parks and campgrounds to discover in and around the Jacksonville area. Come see us at Tom Bush Mini and inquire about our fantastic showroom of new and pre-owned vehicles today.

We all know how much Floridians love fishing. There are few things more relaxing than sitting by a serene body of water on a sunny day with your favorite pole in hand. You've probably been planning to get out on the water this summer but have been short of ideas. Take these six fishing spots near Jacksonville, FL as some inspiration. more 6 of the Best Fishing Spots Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Memorial Park Memorial Park is one of the most popular places to catch fish near Jacksonville. This spot offers both largemouth bass and sunfish. The park also provides boat ramps, making it easy to access fishing points where you can find bream and other types of fish. Memorial Park also offers picnic tables with barbecue grills if you want a place to eat lunch. These features make this an ideal spot for families or groups who like making memories together. 2. Mayport Boat Ramp Mayport Boat Ramp offers multiple species, including redfish, flounder, and trout. With a boat ramp available on-site and parking amenities nearby, you can't go wrong with this spot. A live bait shop will have everything you need for some successful fishing excursions. The Pier Store located nearby has everything from ice cold drinks to fresh seafood dinners after an afternoon at sea. 3. Mandarin Park This park has a wide variety of fish, such as largemouth bass and bluegill for beginners and experienced anglers. There are also plenty of picnic areas and places to barbecue while you take a break from catching some dinner. So whether it's early morning or late evening, Mandarin Park won't disappoint - just make sure you bring bug spray. 4. Bethesda Fish Management Area Bethesda Fish Management Area is a great place to reel in redfish, trout, and flounder. It's also the perfect spot for shelling enthusiasts as well - you can find conchs, whelks, and other sea creatures. In addition, the area offers boat ramps with free parking spaces, restrooms, and a fishing pier. 5. Huguenot Memorial Park Huguenot Memorial Park is one of the largest fishing places in Jacksonville. The park has many ponds and lakes stocked with fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. In addition, there's a boat launch for those who want to take their fishing experience on the water. Also, there are areas where you can cast your line from the shore. 6. Castaway Island Preserve Castaway Island Preserve is an excellent spot for anglers to cast out their lines. Along with the fishing, the place offers beaches and mangrove swamps. In addition, there are dense forests home to an array of sea life, including sharks, rays, dolphins, and jellyfish. So if you're looking for a place that will make your heart beat faster, Castaway Island Preserve is the spot. Fishing enthusiasts can find good fishing with beautiful scenery and plenty of other activities to enjoy. The natural beauty combined with all the outdoor amenities makes this an ideal destination for nature lovers and anglers alike. A fishing trip should be relaxing and simple. So should buying a car. Visit Tom Bush MINI for a seamless experience.

The city, regional, and state parks in and around Jacksonville, FL, provide nature lovers with numerous exciting outdoor activities. The breathtaking Talbot Islands State Parks includes six beautiful parks. Here you can explore the diverse exosystem on miles of multi-purpose trails and observe an abundance of birds. The region is also a top fresh and saltwater fishing destination where you can hook a wide range of fish species. more 3 Favorite Outdoor Activities in and Around Jacksonville, FL 1. Fishing With the one-mile George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park, rivers, lakes, and the Atlantic Ocean, it's no wonder fishing is the top pastime in the region. Here you can cast your line inshore or from a boat on the ocean. Fishing from a kayak or canoe is also popular. There are many fishing charters with knowledgeable guides that know the waters well for an unforgettable fishing expedition. There is a wide range of fish species that can be caught throughout the year. Anglers regularly hook bass, speckled trout, tarpon, whiting, jacks, sheepshead, redfish, and flounder, to name a few. Nassau Sound is known for being the prime fishing destination and boasts the state flounder record. 2. Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding The breathtaking Florida landscape provides hikers and cyclists with a vast and diverse ecosystem to explore. Miles of hiking and biking trails wind through coastal maritime forests, saltwater marshes, and along white sandy beaches. At Big Talbot Island State Park, stroll to Boneyard Beach on the Shoreline Trail through massive skeletons of live oak, pine, and cedar trees. At Amelia Island State Park, there is a horse riding trail along the beach. At Little Talbot Island State Park, you can walk on five miles of pristine beaches. Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park has 15 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails that cut through the pine forests. The trail connects to trail systems of other preserves in the 7 Creeks Recreation Area. This area stretches out over 5,600 acres of preserved natural beauty and provides over 30 miles of natural-surface multi-purpose trails. The Timucuan Trail, part of the 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway, is another must-do trail in the region. The trail runs along the Atlantic Coast from the Florida Keys up to Maine. In this section, the trail connects Abbey Hannah Park to Amelia Island State Park. 3. Birdwatching The abundance of birdlife makes this region one of the prime spots for birdwatching. The Talbot Islands State Parks are the perfect destinations for spotting shorebirds and wading birds along miles of trails that cut through the diverse ecosystem. The wooden boardwalk at Spoonbill Pond in Big Talbot Island is a favorite place in the region to observe roseate spoonbills. The unspoiled wilderness of Little Talbot Island State Park attracts shorebirds such as terns, plovers, black skimmers, and willets. You will see pelicans and ospreys, and in winter, bald eagles fish in the island's waters. Go to the park in spring to watch migratory birds resting on their way between Argentina and Canada. Huguenot Memorial Park is considered the top birding destination in the region by the Duval Audubon Society to observe terns and shorebirds. The Great Florida Birding Trail also runs through the park and provides the opportunity to see sea ducks, gannets, and loons. The city is a gateway to explore and experience the beautiful wilderness through numerous activities. Contact Tom Bush MINI today for top-quality maintenance and repair services and exceptional customer care.

The Jacksonville Arboretum in Jacksonville, Fl is a wonderful place to discover nature. Lovingly referred to as a “hidden jewel” the Arboretum is 120 acres of natural ecological beauty. Whether you're looking to hit the trails, attend an event, or in need of volunteer opportunities the Jacksonville Arboretum has got you covered. more The Trails The Arboretum boasts 7 beautiful trails each with its own unique appeal. Explore the lake and island, enjoy the fun boardwalk, or stroll through the forest and marshland. Trails range from 0.1 to 1.0 mile in length so, there is truly a trail to suit everyone's needs. Each trail is also rated for difficulty based on terrain and length and the rating is available on the arboretum website. Visit the trail guides on the website to ensure you don't miss the exciting points of interest. These include information about special plants growing along the trails and even some interesting geological and ecological information. The trails really are the heart of the Arboretum and with so many to explore they are bound to keep you coming back for more. Ecology The Arboretum contains 13 distinct ecosystems. A list of featured plants is available on the website under the “about us” tab which contains blog posts exploring the amazing flora you can see during your visit. Learn about plants with traditional medicinal uses and don't miss the 125-year-old oak tree! Picnics The Arboretum is a lovely place for a picnic! There are 5 picnic tables on-site these are all located on Lake Loop Trail. Benches are also located on each of the trails and make perfect picnic spots for two. Cyber Yoga Cyber Yoga is a fun way to take a break from your hike. Stations are located at various points along the trails. These can be accessed by scanning a QR code with your cell phone. Dogs Want to hike with your furry friend? No problem! Dogs are welcome in most areas of the Arboretum. Do note that leash laws are enforced and the Arboretum does ask that you clean up after your pet. The Gardens The Arboretum recently received a grant and will soon expand to include a botanical garden. This highly anticipated community space will emphasize ecological and botanical education. Events The arboretum hosts community events that feature artists, live music, and food. It also hosts educational events which are great opportunities for children and adults alike. An event schedule can be found on their website. You can also rent the site for your private events. Volunteering Both weekly and monthly volunteering events are held at the Arboretum. You can also volunteer in horticulture, trail maintenance, education, or special events. Volunteering with the Arboretum also provides opportunities for hands-on ecological education. The wonderful Arboretum is open to the public Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and Friday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. A $3.00 donation is recommended for access to the Arboretum. No cash? Don't worry! The Arboretum has Venmo! ADA-accessible restrooms are available on-site. After your visit to the Arboretum swing by and see us at Tom Bush MINI!